Act of Contrition: Four Ways to Pray the Traditional Prayer

overview

What is an Act of Contrition?

An Act of Contrition is a traditional Catholic prayer that expresses genuine sorrow for the sins we have committed, a sorrow that stems primarily from love of God.

It acknowledges that sin hurts the heart of the Father and damages our relationship with Him. It also includes a statement of firm resolve not to sin again.

It is integrally linked to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as it is prayed in the presence of the priest after making a confession and just before receiving absolution.

You can pray an Act of Contrition in a few different ways.
Whether you are preparing for Confession or are simply looking for way to pour out your heart to God,
here are a few to choose from.

Traditional Act of Contrition

My God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended You,
and I detest all of my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell,
but most of all because they offend You, my God,
who are all good and deserving of all of my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Your
grace, to confess all my sins, to do penance,
and to amend my life. Amen.

Act of Contrition – The Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus, Son of God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

Act of Contrition – Modern Translation

O my God,
I am sorry and repent with all my heart
for all the wrong I have done
and for the good I have failed to do,
because by sinning I have offended you,
who are all good and worthy to be loved above all things.
I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid the occasions of sin.
Through the merits of the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ,
Lord, have mercy.